REGULAR MEETING OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE
ON THE MILLENNIAL INITIATIVE OF
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
Room 510, H.F. Robinson Building
18 January 2012
The Select Committee on the Millennial Initiative of Western Carolina University met in
regular session on 18 January 2012 in Room 510 of the H.F. Robinson Building. The meeting
was called to order at 8:00 a.m. by Steve Warren.
I.
ATTENDANCE
The following members of the Committee were present: Mr. Clifton Metcalf, Mr. Ed
Broadwell, Mr. Jack Cecil, Dr. Lewis Buck, Mr. Phil Drake, Ms. Susan Jenkins, Dr. Teck
Penland, and Mr. Steve Warren. Present by way of telephone call in was Mr. Richard Williams
and Ms. Joan Macneill.
Absent was Ms. Diane Lynch.
Following the calling to order of the meeting, each member of the Committee introduced
themselves.
II.
CHARGE TO THE COMMITTEE
Western Carolina University Chancellor Dr. David Belcher provided the Select
Committee its charge.
Chancellor Belcher thanked each member of the Committee for serving on a task force
which he believes will be of extraordinary importance to Western Carolina University and the
surrounding region. The Chancellor believes the Committee will be of great benefit in its
service particularly in the areas of economic and community development in Western North
Carolina. The Chancellor indicated that when he first began looking at the Millennial Initiative
of Western Carolina University, he found it to be remarkable in concept. He indicated WCU’s
Millennial Initiative was probably more similar in concept to the Centennial Campus at N.C.
State than others. He indicated that while the Millennial Initiative is designed to create
public/private partnerships which can benefit the region and can further WCU’s educational
mission. It is designed to be open to public/private partnerships which can further and enhance
the traditional WCU priorities of instruction, research and service.
Dr. Belcher also indicated there were several reasons why this is the right moment to
revisit the Western Carolina University Millennial Initiative. First, the University is undergoing
a comprehensive strategic planning process. He notes that the current strategic planning process
is engaging both internal and external constituents. It is to consider what should be the direction
of the institution over the coming years. It is in that setting that it is important that we take a
fresh look at the Millennial Initiative and where it has come from, where it is today, and where it
should go in the next six to eight years. Another issue deals with the limitations of the current
economy. Chancellor Belcher indicated that it was understood that we must invest money in the
Millennial Initiative for it to become what we all believe it can be. We must invest wisely and
strategically and target those investments at the fundamental points of intersection between
Western Carolina University and its mission and the regional economic and community
development needs on the other. Finally, the last reason this is an important time to take a fresh
look at the Millennial Initiative is we need an external perspective on this undertaking. Dr.
Belcher noted there were members of this Committee who would bring an internal perspective to
the issues to be considered by this Committee. It also is composed of an external group of
people who have the best interest of Western Carolina at heart and who are broad thinkers and
think holistically about collaborative solutions to the problems and challenges facing Western
and the region. In addition, the Committee consists of people who understand what the
opportunities are that we can seize.
With that as background, Chancellor Belcher indicated the charge to the Committee
really consists of three overarching tasks. First, to evaluate and propose strategic uses and
objectives of the Millennial Campus. Look for ways to explore ways to exploit the points of
intersection between the institution's mission on the one hand and the opportunities, challenges,
strengths on the others in the Western North Carolina area. Secondly, to recommend an
institutional process which will engage both the institution but also the external constituents in
considering and evaluating the possibilities with the Millennial Initiative. Chancellor Belcher
indicated the Millennial Initiative will be facing a changing environment and therefore will need
to be nimble enough to respond.. Finally, the Committee should propose as much as possible,
short and long term goals with appropriate plans and metrics for the Millennial Campus and
Initiative.
Chancellor Belcher then briefed the Committee on the current strategic planning process
of Western Carolina University, indicating that it was a year long process which is expected to
to be finished by June of 2012 for the Board of Trustees Meeting. He indicated that Melissa
Wargo at Western would be a good resource for the Committee if he had any questions.
Finally, Chancellor Belcher indicated he was extraordinarily interested in the work of the
Select Committee on the Millennial Initiative of Western Carolina. In speaking with leaders of
Western North Carolina on the issues of Western Carolina University, Chancellor Belcher has
indicated that he believes the Millennial Initiative has to be a priority for Western Carolina
University. Western Carolina University is a regional institution. Western Carolina University
needs to pay attention to western North Carolina. The work of the Committee will help chart our
course for Western North Carolina in the years to come.
Mr. Warren then provided the Committee with a booklet of materials entitled "WCU
Millennial Initiative Select Committee" which in part contained materials on the mission of
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Western Carolina University, Western Carolina University's Vision Statement, and a draft of the
current Strategic Planning Commission of Western Carolina University.
Mr. Warren then reviewed the dates for the upcoming meetings, to wit
January 27, 2012, 9:00 am-12:00 pm, Board Room, Chancellor's Office, 5th Floor, HFR
Building, WCU.
Third Meeting, Travel to other campus sites - N.C. State, UNC, February 10, 2012.
Fourth Meeting, Travel to N.C. Research Campus, Charlotte Research Institute February 22, 2012.
Fifth Meeting, March 23, 2012.
Sixth Meeting, March 28, 2012.
III.
INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY OF THE MILLENNIAL INITIATIVE
CONCEPT
Mr. Clifton Metcalf, Vice Chancellor for Advancement in External Affairs then presented
the Committee with information on the history of the Millennial Initiative concept. Mr. Metcalf
indicated that the Millennial Initiative really is rooted in the first Centennial Campus which is
located at N.C. State University. He indicated that campus is really a community of researchers,
students, faculty, and business partners working together on a common interest in solving world
problems. Mr. Metcalf indicated that the campuses can be organized in community clusters
focusing on research and student education and economic development. He also noted that while
currently, there are no buildings at "UNC North" the Millennial Campus at Chapel Hill, there are
plans to develop that campus consistent with that theme.
Mr. Metcalf did give a handout to the Committee consisting of the Millennial Campus
Legislation for its review.
He did note the past work of Eva Kline and Associates on the Western Carolina
Millennial Initiative.
IV.
THE UMSTEAD ACT AND ITS IMPACT ON MILLENNIAL CAMPUS
DEVELOPMENT
Mary Ann Lochner gave a presentation to the Committee on the Umstead Act and its
impact on Millennial Campus development.
Ms. Lochner first began by noting that UNCW obtained a grant to set up marine research
in association with its Millennial Campus. She noted that the grant UNCW obtained was a
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matching grant and the University did not have matching funds. The University used the bond
funding provisions in the Millennial Campus Act to assist with the matching grant portion.
UNCW is the first campus that availed itself of doing private financing for a Millennial project
to get matching funds. Ms. Lochner distributed a copy of the Umstead Act to the Committee.
She noted that the Umstead Act is a complicated statute. However, the key elements consisted of
state agencies being forbidden from competing with private businesses. However, Ms. Lockner
pointed out that under N.C.G.S. 66-58(b)(8)(i) the provisions of the Umstead Act which
prohibits sale of merchandise or services by governmental units does not apply to a "Millennial
Campus of a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina."
Ms. Lochner noted that in 2001 in an Attorney General's Opinion was issued in
connection with N.C. State wanting to develop and operate a golf course on its Millennial
Campus. The Attorney General's Opinion indicated that the University must be mindful that the
use of University properties and resources are public in nature must be consistent with public
service and public use which essentially means the Millennial Campus has to be developed
consistent with the University's mission, i.e., teaching and learning. To the extent that we
engage in research, learning and economic development, those activities have to enhance the
University's mission.
Ms. Lochner did speak briefly regarding the proposition of leasing properties to third
parties. Western Carolina is not prohibited from entering into ground leases of the property for
University activities. There are issues relating to transactional clearances in terms of the lease,
and having to lease property for fair market value, which are the kinds of issues that the office of
counsel would look at. It should always be kept in mind with regard to these type of activities
that they bear a relation to the mission of the University.
Ms. Lochner did indicate that, for example, with regard to the development of the
"Town Center" that utilizing leases for businesses, grocery stores, etc. have been considered and
would be appropriate for the development of a town center concept.
Mr. Warren then pointed out that in the last section of the handout there is a listing of
developers and companies that have expressed interest in the WCU Millennial Campus.
Dean Buck pointed out that in considering what the Millennial Campus should become
and dealing with the issue of profits and not for profits that would be involved, it will be
important to have a process which is nimble and responsive to the needs of private businesses.
The process would need to be such that we could respond in a timely fashion to allow potential
entities to make reasonable business decisions in a timely fashion. Ms. Lockner noted that if the
State is involved it can take up to two years to get a ground lease approved.
Dean Buck suggested it would be good to have a standard ground lease wherein the State
would be willing to accept that standard for ground lease which could result in an expedited
process. Ms. Lockner indicated they do have such documents. However, given budget cuts
there has been a reduction in personnel at the State level which has led to prolonging any
approval processes. It is important that any business partner know of this kind of process so they
can work it into their business pro formas.
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The Committee did turn to noting that we have over 300 acres on the West campus
available but only 50% of may be buildable given the slopes involved.
Ms. Lochner indicated that one way that could be available to expedite the approval
process is to do a large ground lease devoted to a singular purpose, example, research and
development, which would then allow you to develop that property, having already obtained
State approval.
Mr. Metcalf then noted that as the Committee works through the process we may even
want to look at potential suggestions for amendment to the law as a proposal which would help
us address the issue of expediting approval processes for public/private partnerships on
Millennial Campuses.
V.
A HISTORY OF THE CONCEPTS PLANS FOR THE WC MILLENNIAL
INITIATIVE.
Mr. Joe Walker, Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management, then gave an
excellent presentation, through multiple PowerPoint’s, on:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Campus-wide Master Plan Development.
The Specific Health Neighborhood Master Plan.
The Specific Town Center Plan.
University engagement with the broader community including Forest Hills and
Cullowhee, and
Infrastructure of the Millennial Campus.
Mr. Warren noted that he would distribute a color version of the brochure "Millennial
Initiative Concept Plan, April 2006" for the Committee members. It is this plan that Mr. Joe
Walker indicated contains the most vital information relative to the development of the
Millennial Initiative. 1
During the discussion, Mr. Cecil noted that, for example, with 3 million square feet at
approximately $300 total build out costs per square foot, we are looking at almost $1 billion in
development to give you a sense of the scale involved.
Mr. Cecil noted that the current enrollment at Western is roughly 9,300 students. It was
noted the projected enrollment at Western at one point was 16,000.
Mr. Walker noted that State Construction takes the position that it should be involved in
the construction projects on the Millennial Campus. This may impact the cost of construction.
One issue to consider is whether State Construction would come off of the 50-year building life
requirement.
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Mr. Warren subsequently sent this Concept Plan in .pdf format to the Committee members.
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Ms. Jenkins indicated that some thought should be given to what type of businesses
would be used to fill up the buildings as they are constructed. Mr. Walker indicated that, for
example, that in the past some thought had been given to having clinical space in association
with the Health Building and businesses to compliment the Engineering programs, (e.g. adaptive
assisted devices). There may exist opportunities for physical and speech therapy in association
with the Health Building.
Ms. Jenkins indicated that all this potential development represents new change. For
example there are issues about health care costs and how businesses are being developed in
Western North Carolina in the health care industry, and there is a need to be practical in the
setting of what can be developed in Western North Carolina.
Mr. Warren indicated one of the issues we'll be looking at is what types of entities we
wish to have on the Millennial Campus and what would be the criteria for selection.
Mr. Metcalf indicated there had been a lot of interest in development around the new
HHS Building.
Mr. Warren indicated the goal of the Committee is to come up with a process that is
uniform but is nimble and can react to circumstances at the time.
Dr. Penland indicated the question Ms. Jenkins raised in terms of practical ways of
developing these campuses and neighborhoods of interest is important. For example, in the
health care area, it is important to know first what is needed in the area. Mr. Penland indicated
that while Cullowhee is different, we also need to be mindful of regional needs as well. For
example, what are the needs that we are not currently building for?
Another way of looking at this said Dr. Penland is to consider what is “added value” and
what is competition in the area and what redundancies exist.
Mrs. Jenkins concurred that the question of what is added value needs to be looked at
seriously.
VI.
TOUR OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SCIENCES BUILDING.
Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Joe Walker and his staff, the Committee was transported to
the new Health and Human Sciences Building on the West Millennial Campus. The Committee
took an approximate forty-five minute guided tour of the building. It was unanimously agreed
that the building represents the state of the art in terms of technology and facilities, not only in
western North Carolina but really in the nation. The Committee was grateful to Mr. Joe Walker
and his staff, and members of the construction team, for providing us with an excellent tour of
the building.
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Thereafter, there being no further business, the Committee adjourned at approximately
11am.
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